“Sometimes being a friend means mastering the art of timing. There is a time for silence. A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny. And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it’s all over.” ~ Octavia Butler
Kaylene and me at my old apartment in Paso. (April 2012)
Kaylene has been on my mind and in my heart lately. It’s been over a year since we spoke. Two nights ago I sent a text to the last number I had for her, wondering if she would respond, or if that was even still her phone. Much to my surprise and delight she called me yesterday morning! We chatted briefly and agreed to schedule a phone date after her vacation. Both of us will be spending the holidays with all of our children, free from bondage, and I could not ask for a greater blessing. I hope to rekindle the strong friendship we once had in our new lives.
Sparkly top and cleavage, oh my!
The fact that I’ve yet to mention Amber demonstrates just how far behind I am with blogging. We met last month and have been inseparable ever since. Dare I say she’s one of the most inspirational people in my life? She’s established in her career and an invaluable asset to her company. She owns her own home and is financially stable. She’s a single mother of a successful daughter. She’s independent and enjoys her hobbies. She’s the type of woman I want to be in a few years and she motivates me to work hard and better myself.
Without a doubt she looks good on paper– but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. My friend believes in me and encourages me to reach for the stars. Her positive influence permeates all areas of my life. She gives me honest advice without judgement or condescension. I value her opinion. I trust her. And I’m a better person for knowing her.
Let me take this time to thank Amber for all that she’s done for me. Not only does she get me [and the wee ones] out of the the house but we’ve made some unforgettable memories. Whether it’s RP Tracks, the zoo, Bombay House, Bricks and Minifigs, percolated coffee, Oak Court Mall, or anything else….thanks from the bottom of my heart. Even Adam loves your computer geek self. ;)
Perhaps I was a hippopotamus in a past life…
What happens when we die? Various faith traditions claim different beliefs to answer this question. Six weeks before she passed Brandi shared this on her Facebook: This Young Boy Honestly Thinks He Lived A Past Life. The video gave me chills. Ever since I was a child I’ve believed in some form of reincarnation. I don’t know if it happens to everyone. I don’t know why some seem to be more attuned to lives past than others. I don’t think it has anything to do with religion. I don’t think your actions in this life affect what happens in the next. Hearing stories such as these offer compelling evidence to at least consider the possibility of reincarnation and/or unexplainable connections. As much as I joke about it I wholeheartedly believe my strong interest in certain seemingly random subjects [such as Russia and the FLDS] comes from a past life. It’s as if I’m driven to learn more, a compulsion from within. Any ideas from the spiritually inclined on how to further explore this and become more receptive to possible messages?
The best picture I could get of all the kiddos.
Melisa (pronounced muh-lee-sa not muh-lis-a!) hosted a wonderful open house Sunday. Staying true to my Peter Pan complex I said a brief hello to the adults then spent the duration of the event frolicking upstairs with the children. Stuffing my face with delicious food while surrounded by family and friends in a gorgeous home wrapped up my week on a positive note. I want to thank her for graciously welcoming us into her home.
Bonus points to my favorite paternal aunt for sharing this brilliant fortune on Facebook.
Slowly but surely Tish seems to be settling into her new home. Hopefully she’s on the tail end of the severe cold that put her out of commission for a few days. Combine that with the immense culture shock between California and Tennessee– not to mention being homesick– and it’s a stressful, overwhelming situation. I feel for her. No doubt the weather here leaves her chilled to the bone, which certainly isn’t helping her cold. And we’re smack dab in the middle of suburbia. Her shortest walk to reach anything other than houses is a mile and a half. Everything’s spread out and nothing is close on foot. Lots of places aren’t close even with a vehicle. I know all too well what it’s like to be uprooted from your comfortable existence and plunked down in a strange new place, the process of rebuilding. It’s tough.
Hopefully we can find ways to alleviate the stress and make her transition as smooth as possible. Once she gets to feeling better I hope to show my aunt why I Love Memphis and all that this amazing area has to offer. We’re so glad you’re with us!
With infinite love, gratitude, and respect,
Sloane
Filed under: Adam, Aunt Tish, Blessings, Brandi, California, Cheese, Da Real Homiez, Death, Facebook, Food, Friends, Inspiration, MeliSa, Memories, Memphis, Mother Russia, Neshoba, Recovery, Religion, Restaurants, Spirituality
